The ministers in the new Cabinet will hold the ministerial portfolios until the 100 day program is fulfilled, President Maithripala Sirisena said at the appointment of the new Cabinet of Ministers last evening. Once the program is completed, a general election will be called, he added.

Therefore, the new cabinet will be effectively a temporary one, mainly focused on the successful implementation of the 100 day program. More long lasting policies will be adopted after a new government comes to power after the 100 days.

Sirisena asked all ministers to remember that they are holding temporary ministerial portfolios and fulfill their duties without forgetting that an election is around the corner.

He also expressed his regret at the post elections violence and added that wrongdoers will be punished regardless of their position.

The 100 day program is to be completed by April according to the 100 day program issued by Maithripala Sirisena during the presidential election. The 100 day program tentative timetable says that the parliament will be dissolved on April 23.